Updates from PA Dept. of Health: Masking Order and Vaccine Clinics

Hello,

Please read updated information below from the acting Secretary of Education.  I hope everyone is having a great day today.

Thanks,

The message below is being sent on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Good afternoon,

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the statewide masking order will be lifted by June 28, 2021, or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, whichever comes first. This is an exciting step in the pandemic response, but we must continue to do our part in the weeks ahead – most importantly by stepping up to get vaccinated. All Pennsylvanians age 12 and older are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. People can find vaccination locations near them using Vaccines.gov, also known as Vaccine Finder. To clarify yesterday’s announcement, the current Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health Requiring Universal Face Coverings remains in effect until June 28, 2021, or when 70 percent of adults in Pennsylvania are fully vaccinated. The masking order and requirements therein remain unchanged and are not impacted by the upcoming expiration of the targeted mitigation orders and the school attestation orders on May 31, 2021.

Additionally, we are providing the following information regarding available opportunities to host vaccination clinics: In light of the recent expansion of the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age, the Pennsylvania Department of Health wants to increase vaccine access for adolescents. Our understanding is that many IUs, districts, and schools have independently partnered with providers across the state to host school-based clinics. We commend these types of clinics, and encourage any school/district that is interested in hosting vaccination clinics (even if over the summer) to  complete the Community Clinic Partnership Form online. This form is used to match organizations willing to host a clinic with an enrolled vaccine provider who can bring clinical staff and vaccine supply. These providers have been hosting clinics at churches, community centers, and offices for several weeks. Submissions are evaluated on a rolling basis and you should expect to hear back within a week. Questions can be directed to [email protected]. In addition, please feel free to forward the form to other schools, districts, summer camps, community groups, etc. who may be interested in hosting a vaccination clinic.

Thank you for your continued efforts during this challenging school year – we look forward to a brighter future in the months and year ahead.

Sincerely,

Alison V. Beam,
Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health

Noe Ortega | Acting Secretary of Education

Pennsylvania Department of Education | Executive Office

333 Market Street | Harrisburg, PA 17126

717.783.9780 | www.education.pa.gov

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